Belvoir Downstairs announces new season 25A

For the first time in seven years, Belvoir is opening its downstairs theatre free to artists to put on their shows, as well as rehearsal space and marketing support, with the aim to nurture new creative talent and encourage artists to create without excessive cost.

Eamon Flack, Belvoir’s artistic director, says: “This a new ‘flat-pack’ model of making independent theatre. We’ve set up a situation where the costs to artists are close to zero. But it’s something of a challenge too, because you’ve got to make your show for less that $1500 – that’s the rule. The focus is on the work and the work alone.”

The season runs from April to December, with seven shows put on throughout the year. Highlights include Greater Sunrise, by Zoe Hogan, and directed by 2017 ATYP Scholarship recipient, Julia Patey, The Readers, the directorial debut of actress and Belvoir alumni Elizabeth Nabben (The Rover and Picnic at Hanging Rock), and Yarramandoon The Musical, from the Logie-nominated creators and stars of ABC’s Growing Old Gracefully, and The Maids, directed by Belvoir’s 2018 Andrew Cameron Fellow, Carissa Licciardello.

Tickets to all 25A shows will be priced at $25, making the season more affordable and accessible than what you’d expect from the iconic Sydney venue. Artists will be pushed to innovate and perform on a budget, bringing focus to their craft and the work itself. For more information about the season and ticket information, head to https://belvoir.com.au/25a/